Ecclesiastical Endorsement Requirements
The requirements for endorsements are listed in the 2016 Book of Disciplineunder “Commission on Chaplains”—Section II, A – 5, pages 238-240. To ensure a complete response to requests for endorsements, each candidate must prepare, complete, and submit the following documents:
- Letter from presiding bishop stating the candidate is in good and regular standing. (Letter should be sent directly to Bishop Reid).
- Curricula Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Copyof the itinerant deacon and elder ordination certificate with a seal
- Official Transcripts (Mail sealed transcripts to Bishop Reid).
- Type of job for endorsement, Federal (Active Military, Reserves, or National Guard), Veterans Administration, Federal Bureau of Prisons) or Non-Federal (CPE, Hospice, Corporate, Hospital, Campus, or Police). Note: Federal Chaplains (Only – Active Military, VA, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Retired Military with 20+ years) are seated as Voting Members of the General Conference (per Section 1-A; Composition, page 247).
- Copy of the recent background check (Mail to Bishop Reid).
- Current Photo
- Copy of references submitted with application
- Interview with Bishop Reid and the Commission on Chaplains (may be completed via Skype or Google Hangout)
- Copy of the last endorsement form signed by the former endorsing agent.
- A Copy of the last Annual Conference Chaplain’s Report (not applicable for newly-endorsed chaplains or chaplain candidates).
- A “Call to Chaplaincy” Personal Statement (one-page only).
- A certified copy of a mental health assessment conducted within the last two years (Mail to Bishop Reid).
- Complete Application for Ecclesiastical Endorsement and Profile Form via https://goo.gl/forms/OeAMaZcrjlQfcmxk2
- Mail the completed package to:
Bishop Frank M. Reid, III
The Office of the Endorsing Agent
1498-M Reisterstown Road-Suite 318
Pikesville, MD 21208